FCCPC Rebuffs Meta’s Threat To Exit Nigeria.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has responded strongly to Meta Platforms Inc’s threat to exit Nigeria, warning the tech giant that its threat does not absolve it of its legal responsibilities or liabilities under Nigerian law.
Meta had earlier threatened to shut down its Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria due to a ₦220 million fine imposed by the FCCPC for violating data protection and consumer rights laws. However, the FCCPC described Meta’s threat as a “calculated” move aimed at inducing negative public reaction and pressuring the commission to reconsider its decision.
The commission noted that Meta’s threat to leave Nigeria does not erase its liabilities for the outcome of a judicial process. The FCCPC highlighted that Meta had engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the FCCPA (2018) and the NDPR, including denying Nigerians control over their personal data, transferring user data without authorisation, and discriminating against Nigerian users.
The FCCPC also pointed out that Meta had faced similar penalties in other countries, including the US, EU, India, South Korea, France, and Australia, but had not resorted to threatening to exit those countries. Instead, Meta had obeyed the laws and regulations in those jurisdictions.
The FCCPC’s response underscores the commission’s commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers and enforcing the country’s laws and regulations. The development highlights the ongoing tensions between Meta and the Nigerian government over data protection and consumer rights issues.